Bicheno: Coastal Walks, Sea and Wildlife

Bicheno is on Tasmania’s east coast along the Great Eastern Drive. The town offers a range of experiences to help you plan your stay: coastal walks and lookout points, wildlife watching on land and at sea, and guided experiences. You can also explore Bicheno’s history on a walking tour.

Coastal Walks and Views

Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve has two safe viewing platforms. One looks east towards the sea and across the Gulch, while the other offers views over the town and western beaches. The lookout therefore offers two distinct outlooks.

The accessible, three-kilometre Bicheno Foreshore Trail runs between Rice Pebble Beach, the Bicheno Blowhole and Waubs Bay. The trail connects several named coastal spots, while the platforms at Whalers Lookout offer views in two directions. Coastal conditions may affect your walk.

Sea and Wildlife

East Coast Natureworld is in Bicheno, surrounded by 150 acres of natural coastal bushland and lagoons. Its evening offering, Devils in the Dark, includes a Tasmanian devil experience with wine and cheese. Site access details may change, and the availability and format of the evening offering may also vary. Check these details before planning your visit.

Just off the coast of Bicheno is Governor Island Marine Reserve, a temperate diving area. The reserve has more than 35 dive sites, with kelp-covered reefs, sponge gardens and abundant marine life. Check conditions and access through operators before diving.

Diamond Island Nature Reserve is a small rocky island inhabited by coastal birds and penguins. At low tide, a sandbar provides a walking route from Bicheno’s shore to the nearby island. As access depends on the tide, check tide times before your visit.

Guided Experiences and Wildlife Watching

Bicheno Penguin Tours takes visitors by a short bus transfer to a private penguin rookery, where they can take part in a guided encounter with little penguins. The departure point is 1/70 Burgess Street in central Bicheno, opposite the IGA. As tour logistics may change, check departure details before your visit.

Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat departs from Bicheno and operates from September to April. Availability depends on the weather. During the trip, you can view wildlife and lush plant life that is rarely seen; a knowledgeable guide accompanies the experience.

At Bicheno Beams, laser beams, colours and music are projected into the night sky over the sea for about 30 minutes each evening. The event takes place at Lions Park on the waterfront; programme details may change between seasons. At the East Coast Whale Trail location on Douglas Street, information panels and wide sea views provide a chance to look out for whales.

History and Planning

The Bicheno History Trail takes you through Bicheno via information panels, tracing the settlement’s origins as a sealing and whaling port. It offers a historical focus alongside the town’s walks and nature experiences.

Two experiences have different timing requirements: the Glass Bottom Boat operates seasonally from September to April and is weather-dependent; the walk to Diamond Island depends on low tide. If you’re looking for hotels in Bicheno, these time windows may be relevant when planning your stay. Check the season, weather and tide for the experience you plan to do.

Discover more destinations: Lebrina, Taranna, Pipers River, Currie, Meadowbank, Burnie, Corinna, Branxholm.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.